Organic Smoothies For Kids: 6 Easy Recipes Packed With Nutrition

Organic Smoothies For Kids: 6 Easy Recipes Packed With Nutrition

Organic Smoothies For Kids: 6 Easy Recipes Packed With Nutrition

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Organic smoothies for kids are a great way to sneak nutrients into your child’s diet. Smoothies are easy to make and they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals. In addition, they’re a fantastic way to introduce your child to cooking and age-appropriate kitchen tasks.

What are the Best Ingredients to use in Organic Smoothies?

Organic smoothies for kids can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. Below, I will share with you a few nutritious ingredients you can use in your homemade smoothies.  

1. Frozen Fruit

Organic frozen fruit is the number one ingredient to use in smoothies. For example, frozen fruit keeps longer than fresh fruit and it helps make your smoothies nice and cold. Below are some great frozen fruits to keep stocked in your freezer.

  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Strawberries
  • Pineapple
  • Mango

2. Seasonal Vegetables

Organic seasonal vegetables are easy to pick up at your local Farmer’s Market or neighborhood grocer. Did you know, vegetables are easy to hide in smoothies because the sweetness of the fruit can help overpower their flavor? Vegetables that blend well in smoothies are listed below.

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Zucchini
  • Beets
  • Carrots

Educational Tip: Try planting fruits or vegetables in your yard or indoor garden. Kids love learning how produce grows! In addition, they’ll feel responsible and proud while using their yield in a recipe.

3. Healthy Liquids

A liquid base is a critical ingredient in any organic smoothie. To illustrate, it helps everything blend together and can alter the flavor of the entire drink. Below are a few nutritious liquids you can choose from.

  • Almond Milk
  • Orange Juice
  • Coconut Water
  • Filtered Water

4. Superfood Powders

Superfood powders are the best way to sneak extra nutrition into organic smoothies for kids. The number of additional vitamins and minerals your child can get from these powders is astounding.

Below are 3 nutrient-packed superfood powders we use in our recipes. They each contain a powerful blend of exotic superfoods and were formulated by holistic nutritionists.

Super Green powder is a beautiful mix of Wheatgrass, Spirulina, and other nutritious ingredients. It’s high in micronutrients, vitamins A, K and C, calcium, fiber, potassium, folate, and iron.

Chocolate Lover powder is a yummy blend of Cacao, Coconut, Chia Seeds, and more. It’s an excellent source of antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, copper, and zinc.

Forever Beautiful powder is a mix of Chia Seeds, Acai Berry, Maca Root, Acerola Cherries, and more. This powder is high in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, magnesium, calcium, and iron.

Don’t have any superfood powders on hand – don’t worry! Using superfood powders in your smoothies is recommended, not required. If you leave them out of the recipes below, your smoothies will still be healthy and taste great!

What are the Health Benefits of Organic Smoothies for Kids?

Organic smoothies are the best way to get as many vitamins and minerals into your child as you can. In fact, the nutrition your child gets from a smoothie is only limited by the ingredients you choose to use. Organic smoothies also make a great snack or meal replacement for toddlers. Below are some health benefits your child may obtain from drinking a smoothie.

Please note, we are only calculating these benefits based on specific ingredients discussed on this page. Not all ingredients and smoothies have the same health benefits. 

1. Smoothies Can Boost Your Immune System

Wheatgrass is an antibacterial superfood. It’s an essential mineral that contributes to a healthy immune system and fights inflammation. (1)

Spinach and Acai Berries contain high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects and may help regulate immune responses. (2)

2. Smoothies are Good for Your Mood & Brain Function

In Peru, Maca Root is given to children to improve their performance in school. It may also support memory-enhancing capabilities. In addition, Maca Root a natural way to improve your mood and has been known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. (3)

A 2013 study reports that Acai Berry extract was found to be protective against the build-up of beta-amyloid, which contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Acai also encourages a process known as autophagy. To illustrate, this helps allow the formation of new nerves and enhance communication between brain cells. (4)

3. Smoothies Encourage Healthy Growth & Development

Blueberries and Acerola Cherries are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is critical for the healthy growth and development of tissues in children. Similarly, it also promotes wound healing which helps little cuts and scrapes heal faster. (5)

4. Smoothies May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Some research has shown that Acai Berries may protect against, or even fight cancer. The anthocyanins in this fruit have already shown to reduce cancer risks.

First, Acai pulp can reduce both colon and bladder cancer according to animal studies. (7) (8).

Second, a human study showed promising results when researchers dripped concentrated Acai juice on leukemia cells and 86% of the cancer cells started to self-destruct. (9)

5. Smoothies Can Improve Your Heart Health

Spinach and bananas are great sources of potassium. Potassium helps your nerves function and your muscles to contract. In addition, it helps your heartbeat stay regular and may improve blood pressure. (10)

Wheatgrass gets another point for heart health. The Chlorophyll in Wheatgrass is similar to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in human blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to other tissues in the body. Research has shown that Chlorophyll may enhance the body’s production of globin. Thus, it is considered to be a blood building food. (1)

Making Organic Smoothies is a Great Developmental Activity Children

When children help in the kitchen, it improves their coordination skills, emotional development, and even boosts their intelligence. Did you know, children of nearly any age can help make smoothies; even some babies! For example, older babies and toddlers can help scoop berries into a strainer. Toddlers can help rinse fruits and vegetables in the sink. Furthermore, older kids can help operate the blender. (With your supervision and guidance of course!)

Unfortunately, teaching your kids how to prepare healthy food is a critical life skill that is often overlooked. Take this time to teach your children about the importance of healthy eating. For example, explain to them how the foods they choose to eat can impact the way they look and feel. Kids are never too young to start learning about nutrition!

The Best Organic Smoothies for Kids

1. Organic Tropical Twist Smoothie

Vegan, Gluten-Free

Organic Tropical Twist Smoothie for Kids
Excellent 5 Star Rating

Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic almond milk
  • 3/4 cup organic pineapple (frozen)
  • 1 cup organic strawberries (frozen)
  • 1 organic banana (peeled)
  • 1.5 cup loose organic spinach
  • 1 teaspoon organic Super Green powder
  • 1 teaspoon organic Forever Beautiful powder

Instructions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend your mixture until it is smooth. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more fruit.
  3. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

2. Organic Green Monster Smoothie

Vegan, Gluten-Free – Inspired by YourSuper.com

Green Monster Organic Smoothie for Kids
Excellent 5 Star Rating

Ingredients

  • 1 organic orange (peeled and sliced)
  • 1 organic pear (cored and sliced)
  • 1.5 cups organic kale or spinach
  • 1 cup organic coconut water
  • 1 teaspoon organic Super Green powder
  • Ice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend your mixture until it is smooth. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more fruit.
  3. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

3. Organic Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Beegan, Gluten-Free

Organic Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie for Kids

Children under the age of 1 should not use or consume any honey or honey products. This recipe also contains peanut butter. Do not make or consume this recipe if allergic to any of the ingredients.

Excellent 5 Star Rating

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend your mixture until it is smooth. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more fruit.
  3. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

4. Organic Blueberry Pie Smoothie

Vegan, Raw – Inspired by YourSuper.com

Blueberry Pie Organic Smoothie for Kids
Excellent 5 Star Rating

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend your mixture until it is smooth. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more fruit.
  3. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

5. Organic Banana Walnut Smoothie

Vegan, Gluten-Free

Organic Banana Walnut Smoothie for Kids
Excellent 5 Star Rating

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup organic almond milk
  • 1/2 cup filtered water
  • 1 organic banana (peeled and frozen)
  • 1/2 cup organic blueberries (frozen)
  • 1/2 cup organic zucchini (sliced)
  • 1 cup loose organic spinach
  • 1/4 cup organic walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon organic Super Green powder
  • 1 teaspoon organic Forever Beautiful powder

Instructions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend your mixture until it is smooth. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more fruit.
  3. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

6. Organic Mango Strawberry Smoothie

Vegan, Paleo – Inspired by YourSuper.com

Organic Strawberry Mango Smoothie for Kids
Excellent 5 Star Rating

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend your mixture until it is smooth. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more fruit.
  3. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

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The Best Organic Lip Balms: Sensational Flavors for Dry Lips

The Best Organic Lip Balms: Sensational Flavors for Dry Lips

The Best Organic Lip Balms: Sensational Flavors for Dry Lips

This post contains affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

There are many reasons you and your family may suffer from dry lips. The winter months can bring cold, dry air to your skin and lips. You can also suffer from dry lips due to excessive licking, spicy foods, or even from sun damage. Unfortunately, many common lip balms contain dangerous ingredients. Moreover, those ingredients can unknowingly become ingested while eating and drinking. That’s why for my family, I choose to only use the best organic lip balms for our dry lips.  

Dangerous Ingredients in Conventional Lip Balm

Many popular lip balms contain horrible ingredients that shouldn’t be anywhere near children’s mouths. Below are just a few ingredients found in popular lip balms and their potential health hazards. 

Retinyl Palmitate

Possible health concerns include:

  • Cancer (moderate)
  • Developmental & reproductive toxicity (high)
  • Biochemical or cellular level changes (high) (1)

Fragrance

Possible health concerns include:

  • Allergies & immunotoxicity (high)
  • Endocrine disruption (moderate)
  • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
  • Skin irritation (moderate) (1)

Aluminum Lake

Possible health concerns include:

  • Bioaccumulation (moderate)
  • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
  • Contamination concerns (cadmium) (2)

Nourishing Ingredients in Organic Lip Balm

Unlike the harmful ingredients listed above, many organic lip balms contain natural, nourishing ingredients. Below are a few wonderful ingredients you may find in an organic lip balm.

Shea Butter

  • Rich in antioxidants
  • May relieve symptoms of eczema and skin irritations
  • Moisturizes and can boost collagen (3)

Manuka Honey

  • May relieve eczema symptoms
  • Has antibacterial properties
  • May help treat dermatitis (4)

The Best Organic Lip Balms for Dry Lips

Moon Valley Organics: Beeswax Lip Balm

  • Moon Valley Organics lip balms are expertly formulated in the United States.
  • Key ingredients include beeswax and cold pressed organic oils.
  • Gentle and moisturizing, these lip balms can also be applied on dry and cracked cuticles.
  • Comes in a variety of fun flavors like Cool Mint Vanilla, Juicy Blackberry, and Tropical Coconut Lime.
  • Can be purchased individually or as a set, when available. 
  • Read more about these organic lip balms…

Ajara: Vanilla Rose Ayurvedic Lip Balm

  • This Ayurvedic lip balm smells amazing and is great for dry lips.
  • Key ingredients include organic shea butter, vanilla seed extract, and rose flower oil. (Most of the ingredients are organic, not all of them.)
  • Other fragrant flavors include Turmeric Ginger, Coffee + Cream, Vanilla Chai, and Peppermint Cream.
  • This moisturizing lip balm is also available in the Lushtrous Lips Indulgence Set, featuring several different flavors in one pack.  
  • Read more about this lip balm…

Wedderspoon: Bee Smooth Lip Balm Trio

  • Key ingredients in these lip balms include shea butter and manuka honey.
  • This gorgeous lip balms glide on smooth and are great for cracked, dry lips.
  • They have three beautiful flavors including Peppermint, Lavender Lemon, and Coconut Lime.
  • All three lip balms are USDA certified organic.
  • They can be purchased as a set of three or bought individually.
  • Read more about these organic lip balms…

Sources:

(1) https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/921501-Elf_Lip_Balm_Trio_Candy_Kisses/

(2) https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/884624-La_Colors_C30504_Macaron_Vanilla_Bean_Lip_Balm/

(3) https://incidecoder.com/products/better-shea-butter-unrefined-african-shea-butter

(4) https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses

 

 

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Baby Safe Dryer Sheets: My Shocking Discovery + A Nontoxic Alternative

Baby Safe Dryer Sheets: My Shocking Discovery + A Nontoxic Alternative

Baby Safe Dryer Sheets: My Shocking Discovery + A Nontoxic Alternative

This post contains affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

Dryer sheets benefit your clothes in many ways. They soften clothing, reduce wrinkles, and give your laundry a fresh scent. However, these perks come with a price. Most dryer sheets contain synthetic and unhealthy ingredients that are harmful to humans and the environment.

Many parents use baby safe dryer sheets because they want a healthier alternative to traditional dryer sheets. What they don’t know, is that you can find many dangerous chemicals in dryer sheets advertised specifically for baby clothing. In addition, dryer sheets also pose a negative impact on the environment because they are one-time-use products that you can’t recycle.

Common Misconceptions About Baby Safe Dryer Sheets

All Baby Dryer Sheets Are Safe for Humans: False

Many dryer sheets advertised for babies conain at least one dangerous ingredient.

All Baby Dryer Sheets Are Safe for the Environment: False

Many baby dryer sheets are not biodegradable and can leach toxic chemicals into our environment and water supply.

Dangerous Ingredients in Dryer Sheets

Below are three ingredients you can find in popular dryer sheets for babies and kids. 

Fragrance

  • The word “fragrance” on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various chemicals and ingredients. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system. (1)
  • Fragrance is a known immune system toxicant or allergen. (1) 
  • Review articles report fragrance in cosmetics can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and skin allergies in children. (1)
  • Peer-reviewed studies report that fragrance exacerbates asthma and causes respiratory irritation. (1)
  • European Union Ecolabel data shows that fragrance has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. (1)

Propylene Glycol

  • Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin conditioning agent. It has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria in humans. These sensitization effects can happen at concentrations as low as 2%. (2)
  • Propylene glycol is classified as a skin irritant by the National Library of Medicine HazMap. (2)
  • It’s also found to provoke allergic reactions in patients with eczema and other skin allergies. (2)

Benzisothiazolineone

  • Benzisothiazolineone is classified as an irritant to the skin, eyes, or lungs. (3)
  • Until safe levels of exposure have been established, the use of benzisothiazolinone in cosmetic products as a preservative or for other functions cannot be considered safe in relation to sensitisation. (3)
  • The US EPA reports benzisothiazolinone is a moderate skin sensitizer and is moderately toxic to aquatic life. (3)

Should You Use Dryer Sheets for Baby Clothing?

The short answer is no. You should not use baby dryer sheets when doing laundry for babies, children, or adults. It’s nice to have soft, static-free, and fresh smelling clothes. But the negative impact dryer sheets may pose to your health and the environment is not worth the risk. Especially, when there are safer and healthier alternatives available.  

The Best Baby Dryer Sheet Alternative

Woolzies Organic Wool Dryer Balls

  • Woolzies all-natural dryer balls are made from 100% organic New Zealand wool.
  • They are hypoallergenic and contain no fillers, additives, or synthetic chemicals.
  • These dryer balls help keep your clothes soft, fluffy, fresh, and fragrant (when used with essential oils).
  • Woolzies sells their own brand of essential oils but I prefer to purchase organic essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs. I like to use lavender essential oil with my family’s laundry when I want to add a fresh scent.
  • Woolzies dryer balls can be reused again and again and last for up to 1,000 loads.
  • They bounce around inside of your dryer creating space between laundry items. This allows hot air to circulate and reduce drying time by up to 25%.
  • Read more about these wool dryer balls…

Sources:

1. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702512-FRAGRANCE/

2. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/705315-PROPYLENE_GLYCOL/

3. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/716930-BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE/

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Easy DIY Bird Feeder: Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Creative Kids

Easy DIY Bird Feeder: Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Creative Kids

Easy DIY Bird Feeder: Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Creative Kids

This post contains affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

This DIY bird feeder toilet paper roll craft is one of my favorite activities. Its a great craft for toddlers and younger kids because it hits so many educational markers. It grows their creativity, helps build confidence, develops fine motor skills, and encourages them to care for wildlife. 

DIY Bird Feeder Supplies:

DIY Bird Feeder Instructions:

Step 1:

  • Gather all of your supplies and head outside!
DIY Bird Feeder Supplies: Toilet Paper Roll, Scissors, Twine, Bird Seed, Utensil, Peanut Butter

Step 2:

  • With your utensil, smear the peanut butter all over the outside of the toilet paper tube.
Preparing to smear peanut butter onto toilet paper roll

Step 3:

  • Lay out the bird seed and roll the tube over the seed until covered.
Spreading bird seed onto peanut butter covered toilet paper roll

Step 4:

  • Feed the twine through the tube, cut it, and tie it into a double knot. Make sure to leave enough slack for hanging.
  • Your DIY bird feeder toilet paper roll craft is done!
  • Hang your feeder on your favorite tree and enjoy. Your little one will feel very proud watching the birds feast on their creation. 
Scissors cutting the twine through the toilet paper roll on the completed DYI bird feeder

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Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids: 5 Easy Projects Using Supplies You Own Now

Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids: 5 Easy Projects Using Supplies You Own Now

Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids: 5 Easy Projects Using Supplies You Own Now

This post contains affiliate links. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

If you’re looking for last-minute Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, look no further than your own home for supplies! You likely already own the supplies needed to create these crafts. Plus, you can make some pretty cute art projects with just paper, crayons, glue, and other household essentials. The crafts below can all be modified for most children’s skill level, with adult supervision and support where necessary. In cases of very young children, an adult should prep and cut all pieces ahead of time. These crafts can be given as cards or gifts to friends, siblings, parents, or grandparents. 

5 Fun + Simple Valentine’s Day Kids Crafts Using Items You Already Own

Valentine’s Day Suncatcher Craft for Kids

Valentine's Day Suncatcher Craft for Kids

Heart Suncatcher Instructions

  1. Cut out a large, hollow heart from a piece of construction paper. 
  2. Using a glue stick, glue a piece of tissue paper to the back of the heart and trim the edges. (Light colors work best)
  3. Cut out lots of square pieces of tissue paper, using as many fun colors and patterns as you’d like.
  4. Using a heart hole punch, create tiny heart shapes out of regular cardstock (optional).
  5. With a glue stick, glue the tissue paper squares and heart shapes onto your large tissue paper heart wherever your little one desires. 
  6. Hang on a window and enjoy! 

Valentine’s Day Hot Air Balloon Card for Kids

Valentine's Day Hot Air Balloon Card for Kids

Heart Hot Air Balloon Card Instructions

  1. Cut 4 identical hearts from a piece of cardstock. 
  2. Using a glue stick, fold in half and glue 3 heart backs together so they open up like book pages, leaving the ends un-glued.
  3. Glue the 4th, unfolded heart to the back, to keep the back flat.
  4. Cut one rectangle from cardstock and fold in half to make the hot air balloon basket. By folding it in half, the “basket” can be used as a card. Write your Valentine’s Day message in the card before moving on to the next step. 
  5. Find 2 age-appropriate stick-like objects to connect the basket to the heart air balloon. Ideas include wooden craft sticks, wooden-cabob skewers (trimmed for safety), straws, etc. 
  6. Give this unique and thoughtful card to your loved one and watch their heart fill up with joy! 

Valentine’s Day Mosaic Craft for Kids

Valentine's Day Mosaic Craft for Kids

Easy Heart Mosaic Instructions

  1. Using a ruler on a piece of white paper, create a grid with a pen or permanent marker. For best results, the younger the child, the larger the squares in the grid should be. 
  2. Using a heart stencil or drawing free-hand, draw a large heart in the middle of the grid. 
  3. Give your child a selection of colors to color in the heart shapes, and a different selection of colors to color in the background shapes. As you can see in the example, red shaded crayons were used to color in the heart and purple shaded crayons were used to color in the background. 
  4. Create a frame using jumbo colored popsicle sticks and glue (optional). If you would like to frame your masterpiece with popsicle sticks, be sure to pre-measure the size of the grid ahead of time to fit within the size of the frame. Trim to size. 
  5. Use as Valentine’s Day decor or give as a gift. You may also write a Valentine’s Day note on the back for an extra-special touch!

Valentine’s Day Paper Heart Friend

Valentine's Day Paper Heart Friend

Friendly Paper Heart Instructions

  1. Cut out a heart from a piece of cardstock or construction paper.
  2. If your child wants to draw a face on their heart, I suggest doing that at this time. Googly eyes are optional. 
  3. Cut 4 long strips of paper and fold them into a zig-zag pattern. 
  4. Tape the paper strips to the back of the heart, creating the arms and legs. 
  5. Using a heart hole punch, punch out 4 hearts to glue at the ends of the arms and legs to make hands and feet. 
  6. Enjoy your heart buddy as a new special friend or give as a gift! 

Valentine’s Day DIY Heart Wreath

Valentine's Day DIY Heart Wreath

DIY Heart Wreath Instructions

  1. Cut out 10 strips of cardstock paper, approximately 11″ long by 1.5″ wide. 
  2. Fold each strip in half, then curl the unfolded ends inward creating a heart shape, stapling the ends together. 
  3. Lay all heart shapes on a table, forming a wreath.
  4. Staple all heart shapes to their neighboring pieces, in the location that they touch during layout.
  5. Attach a string to two hearts, 2-4 spaces apart.
  6. Hang and enjoy!

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